2 Samuel 23:1-7

New International Reader's Version

“I am David, the son of Jesse. God has given me a message.
    The Most High God has greatly honored me.
The God of Jacob anointed me as king.
    I am the hero of Israel’s songs.

² “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me.
    I spoke his word with my tongue.
³ The God of Israel spoke.
    The Rock of Israel said to me,
‘A king must rule over people in a way that is right.
    He must have respect for God when he rules.
⁴ Then he will be like the light of morning at sunrise
    when there aren’t any clouds.
He will be like the bright sun after rain
    that makes grass grow on the earth.’

⁵ “Suppose my royal family was not right with God.
    Then he would not have made a covenant with me that will last forever.
    Every part of it was well prepared and made secure.
Then God would not have saved me completely
    or given me everything I longed for.
⁶ But evil people are like thorns that are thrown away.
    You can’t pick them up with your hands.
⁷ Even if you touch them,
    you must use an iron tool or a spear.
    Thorns are burned up right where they are.”